ROSSENDALE 5 ATHERTON COLLS 1

ROSSENDALE comfortably banked three points to carry on their impressive run of one defeat in 19 NWCL Division One games.

They took charge as early as six minutes through new boy Paul Heavy and although they failed to increase the tally in the first period, further goals flowed in the second.

Jerome Fitzgerald, who will shortly begin a lengthy ban, notched a double. His first six minutes after the restart was a delightful effort, but was overshadowed by his second when his half volley on 67 minutes, a screamer from the edge of the box.

However, Atherton responded immediately from the restart through Paul Kirkham.

At 3-1 Raywood replaced Darren Norman and immediately got into the action finding Craig Sargeson who slotted home on 90 minutes -- to take his season's tally to 20 goals.

In injury time substitute David Gray joined in the party by nonchalantly slipping home a cross from Fitzgerald.